Diablo General Manager Rod Fergusson Departs Blizzard After Five-Year Stint
By Alex Morgan | August 11, 2025
In a significant shakeup for Blizzard Entertainment, Rod Fergusson—the influential head of the Diablo franchise—has announced his departure after five years with the company. Fergusson, who served as General Manager of the beloved action-RPG series, played a pivotal role in steering Diablo IV through its rocky development cycle and eventual record-breaking 2023 launch.
His exit was revealed in a candid post on X, where Fergusson expressed gratitude to Blizzard’s teams and the Diablo community. "This was not an easy decision," he wrote, "but it’s time for me to explore new horizons. I’m incredibly proud of what we built together." Industry insiders speculate his next move could involve returning to his roots at Xbox, where he previously led the Gears of War franchise.
Fergusson joined Blizzard in early 2020, tasked with rescuing Diablo IV after its controversial 2018 unveiling. Under his leadership, the game shifted focus toward darker themes and player-driven storytelling, culminating in over $666 million in sales within its first week. He also oversaw the well-received Vessel of Hatred expansion, due later this year. Blizzard confirmed his successor will be named "in the coming weeks," though analysts warn the transition may delay future Diablo content.
Before revitalizing Sanctuary, Fergusson spent a decade at Microsoft and Epic Games, earning a reputation as a "fixer" for troubled AAA projects. His methodologies are detailed in his book, The Art of Game Leadership: Shipping Under Pressure, which dissects his hands-on approach to crunch management and team morale.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some praising his transparency and others lamenting his exit ahead of Diablo IV’s seasonal roadmap. Blizzard president Johanna Faries stated: "Rod’s legacy is cemented. We wish him triumph in his next crusade."
Fergusson’s final day at Blizzard is August 31.
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